EDCO Newswire
- Summit on Building Wealth in American Communities: 29 May 2010
- MiniDonations Featured in Austin Business Journal: 8 Apr 2010
- EDCO Ventures seeks to establish blood banks along border: 19 Feb 2010
- Austin welcomes new program for entrepreneurs: 12 Feb 2010
- EDCO Ventures Exec. Dir in the Texas Tribune: 20 Jan 2010
- Leo Ramirez, transitions to Advisory Board:26 Nov 2009
- (NALCAB) Seeking NW Area Pgm. Ma:9 Nov 2009
- Rescheduled – Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference: March 5, 2010: (posted) 2 Nov 2009
- EDCO Ventures at Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference: 25 Oct 2009
- EDCO Ventures Sponsoring Xemumba Latin Music Festival: 21 Oct 2009
- PeopleFund 7th Annual Conference on Economic Opportunity: 15 Oct 2009
- Wells Fargo Bank awards grant: 7 Oct 2009
- Opening Capital to Small Business Communities: 16 Sept 2009
- CherryFusion’s partnership: 14 Jul 2009
- Vice Chancellor, Ms. Cathy Swain, joins EDCO Ventures: 25 June 2009
Summit on Building Wealth in American Communities: 29 May 2010
NALCAB – the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, with support from Citi will host NALCAB 2010 Summit on Building Wealth in American Communities in San Antonio, Texas August 12 & 13, 2010. HUD Assistant Secretary Mercedes Marquez along with Congressman Ciro Rodriguez are among the confirmed speakers to confirm our conversation regarding the following themes.
- Integrating affordable housing, support for entrepreneurship & family wealth building services to build wealth in our nation’s asset-poor communities;
- Planning affordable housing and regional transportation infrastructure in tandem to ensure economically and environmentally sustainable development;
- Developing asset-building infrastructure and initiatives in colonias on the US-Mexico Border and in emerging Latino communities such as in the Pacific Northwest and the Deep South.
- Strategizing ways for Latinos who demonstrate high rates of entrepreneurship can access capital and technology.
To learn more about NALCAB and to register for the Summit visit at www.nalcab.org! NALCAB’s national events are where all of NALCAB’s efforts and programs intersect and NALCAB members have the unique opportunity to connect with their peers from around the nation. This summit will attract 200+ executive level asset building practitioners, funders and public policy makers from across the country.
We look forward to seeing you!
Register NOW!
NALCAB’s 2010 Summit on Building Wealth in American Communities
August 12 & 13 at San Antonio, TX
nalcab.org
MiniDonations Featured in Austin Business Journal: 8 Apr 2010
EDCO Ventures’ Co-Founder, Leo Ramirez, Jr. is spearheading an innovative non-profit, MiniDonations. The company is developing the first-of-its kind social network for philanthropic giving. The concept is to “round-up” point-of-sale and e-Commerce transactions and donate the spare change. By 2014, MiniDonations projects raising almost $70 million per year for charity with profits of $10 million: half of which will build MiniDonation’s endowment and the rest to be distributed among members of its social network.
MiniDonations is an EDCO BizLaunch Portfolio Company. The founders and EDCO have bootstrapped MiniDonations for a little over a year. They have put together an outstanding Board of Directors and Advisors and expect to launch their innovative service in Central Texas within the next few months.
They were recently featured in the Austin Business Journal and are currently looking for technology partners and seed funding to accelerate their growth.
If you wish to donate to their exciting cause, please click here. $25… $100… Anything helps. To them, “A little change makes a world of difference.” If you’re interested in learning more, please visit their web site or contact leo@minidonations.org.
EDCO Ventures seeks to establish blood banks along border: 19 Feb 2010
EDCO Ventures is to please to announce our latest venture and partnership covered by the San Antonio Business Journal. Stematix Inc., Regenevita S.A. de CV, and EDCO Ventures are partnering together to create Regenvita Inc. (a Texas company).
Austin welcomes new program for entrepreneurs: 12 Feb 2010
In early January, EDCO Ventures brought together a group of entrepreneurs and business development volunteers to kickoff BizLaunch, a mentoring and networking program. BizLaunch has tripled EDCO’s portfolio, bringing the number of start-ups to 10.
EDCO is approached by more entrepreneurs than it can serve; therefore we created BizLaunch as a way to keep them engaged and tap into our extensive volunteer network to provide some assistance.
Last Friday, EDCO Ventures’ new program, BizLaunch, was profiled by both the Austin Business Journal and the San Antonio Business Journal.
Click here for full article – Austin Business Journal
Click here for full article – San Antonio Business Journal
Texas Tribune article “Latino Pay Gap,” includes commentary from EDCO Ventures Exec. Dir: 20 Jan 2010
In Texas, they earn 35 percent less than their Anglo counterparts – a disparity that’s bigger here than elsewhere. Is it because of education, age, discrimination, or some combination of the above?…
…“The bottom line is that when you look at the areas in Texas with the highest concentration of Latinos, South Texas and the border, the gross domestic product and the per capita income of those regions is substantially lower,” said Teofilo Tijernia, executive director of EDCO Ventures, an Austin-based non-profit that works raising the standard of living along the border and in other economically distressed areas. “There is just no way that the enterprises that exist in those communities generate the type of wealth (like the) enterprises that exist in other areas of Texas.”….
EDCO Co-Founder, Leo Ramirez, transitions to Advisory Board: 26 Nov 2009
Leo Ramirez, EDCO Ventures Co-Founder, has transitioned from his role as EDCO’s Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer to becoming a member of EDCO’s Advisory Board.
The transition is part of Leo Ramirez’s new role as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of MiniDonations
The entire EDCO Ventures family thanks Leo Ramirez for his dedication, vision, and ongoing support. We look forward to continuing to work with Leo Ramirez.
Leo, gracias por tu esfuerzo y dedicación!!!!!!
National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) Seeking NW Area Pgm. Ma: 9 Nov 2009
The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) seeks a professional with not less than three years of experience in the community development and asset building field to manage its program of technical assistance and grant making in the northwestern United States. This program is designed to benefit non-profit organizations that promote the development of community assets and family wealth in predominately low-income, Latino communities.
Based in San Antonio, TX, the primary responsibilities of this position will include:
- Organizing and staffing meetings of the Northwest Latino Asset Builders Collaborative; – Directly providing technical assistance to non-profit organizations, focused primarily on opening access to capital; – Managing NALCAB’s grant making activities in the Northwest Area, including marketing and reviewing grant applications, managing grant processing and monitoring grantees; – Organizing NALCAB’s Northwest Area Community and Economic Development Regional Convenings; – Coordinating and facilitating collaborative efforts among multiple non-profit organizations; – Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have direct experience with a community/ economic development project, resource development (including working with private foundations and securing federal grants), and grant-making and monitoring. NALCAB seeks a highly motivated, self-starter who enjoys working in a team environment. Supervisory experience will be a plus and NALCAB encourages applications from bilingual (Spanish) and/or bicultural individuals. This position reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with other NALCAB staff. A candidate should anticipate regular travel. NALCAB is an equal opportunity employer.
Please submit a resume and cover letter by e-mail to info@nalcab.org with Northwest Area CD Program Manager in the title line.
NALCAB
P.O. Box 461266
San Antonio, TX 78246-1266
(ph) 210-227-1010
(fx) 210-227-1014
Rescheduled – Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference: March 5, 2010 (posted on 9 Nov 2009)
There has been an overwhelming display of enthusiasm towards the Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference to be hosted by The University of Texas Pan American, initially schedule for November 13. 2009.
Moreover, a substantial number of key participants have expressed concerns over the timeliness of the event.
In order to accommodate as many persons as possible, the Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference has been moved to March 5, 2010.
We believe this will maximize the benefit for everyone in this incredible opportunity.
Please mark your calendars. More information will follow.
Join EDCO Ventures at Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by The University of Texas Pasadena: 25 Oct 2009
The University of Texas Pan American, Office of Innovation and Intellectual Property, has invited EDCO Ventures to participate as a co-sponsor for the upcoming “Rapid Response Entrepreneurship Conference,” to be held on Friday, Nov 13th.
UTPA’s Rapid Response Entrepreneurship conference is a one day event that will teach high-tech start-ups, entrepreneurs, investors and venture capitalists how to combine American innovation with Mexican shelter manufacturing to quickly respond to technological advancements and bring them to market quickly.
As part of the conference program, EDCO Ventures will be moderating a panel of high tech entrepreneurs. The discussion will focus on the various paths taken by these individuals to arrive at entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on the challenges, lessons learned, and practical advice for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. In addition, each panelist will give a very brief presentation on their company.
The following companies will have a
founding member participate in the panel:
- CherryFusion, El Paso, Texas
- EdiStem, McAllen Texas / Reynosa Tamaulipas
- Kenaf Boards & Butanol, Raymondville, Texas
- Danta Entertainment, Austin Texas
Please go the following link for information on conference registration, accommodations, and the remainder of the conference program.
http://www.mymbaa.com/
Other sponsors for the conference include:
- McAllen Economic Development Corporation
- Workforce Solutions
- Rapid Response Manufacturing Center
- McAllen Chamber of Commerce
- UTPA, MBA Association
EDCO Ventures Sponsoring Xemumba Latin Music Festival on Saturday, October 24th: 21 Oct 2009
EDCO Ventures is a sponsor of the Xemumba Music Festival this Saturday, October 24th, in Austin, TX. Xemumba, un festival de musica Latina, will be held at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard at 1106 East 11th St., next to Victory Grill, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight. Tickets are $10.00 online, $15 at the gate, $35 VIP, and can be purchased at www.frontgatetickets.com. The event is all ages.
Xememba features bands with music from Latin and South America including Cuba, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, Puerto Rico. Pronounced SHEH-moom-bah, the name is created by borrowing the Aztecan X(sh) combined with the rhythmic tones or the some of the types of music such as samba, rumba, and mambo. Each year, a portion of Xemumba’s proceeds are donated to non profit organizations. Beneficiaries for 2009 are Lupe Arte, National Hispanic Institute, and PeopleFund.
More information can be found here.
EDCO Ventures Sponsoring PeopleFund 7th Annual Conference on Economic Opportunity: 15 Oct 2009
EDCO Ventures is serving as a sponsor for PeopleFund’s 7th Annual Conference on Economic Opportunity, to be held on Saturday, October 24th from 8:30AM-3PM at Austin Community College’s Eastview Campus at 3401 Webberville Road, Building 8 in Austin, TX. In addition, two members of the EDCO team will serve as panelists at the conference.
This year’s program features:
- Twelve interactive sessions led by expert panelists on topics including Affordable Housing, Foreclosure Prevention, Marketing, Small Business and the Credit Crisis, Urban Agriculture, Art and the Local Economy, Transportation and many more!
- Fantastic keynote speakers including David Hinson, President Obama’s newly appointed National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency.
- Interactive density presentation by HousingWorks
- Economic Outlook presentation and discussion with Suzi Sosa, President of MPOWER Foundation
- Closing Kuumba performance by ProArts Collective
Leo Ramirez, EDCO Ventures Co-Founder, is a panelist for the session “Small Business and The Credit Crisis: The Backbone of Our Economy,” and Laura Bosworth-Bucher, EDCO Venture Executive, is a panelist for the “Marketing & The Small Business Budget: Low Cost Strategies for Cash-Strapped Emerging Businesses” session.
For a detailed description of this year’s sessions, including a schedule of events, go to www.peoplefund.org. For more information, call 512-472-8087 or email Ayleen Perez at ayleen@peoplefund.org.
Wells Fargo Bank awards grant to EDCO Ventures: 7 Oct 2009
Wells Fargo has awarded a $10,000 grant to EDCO Ventures, in support of EDCO’s Texas Border and Central Texas Initiatives. EDCO Ventures was originally funded by the Economic Development Administration, and is now expanding in scope and impact thanks to Wells Fargo and other supporters.
The funds are used by EDCO Ventures to provide technical assistance, pre-seed capital, and capitalization assistance to technology startups and high-growth enterprises in economically distressed communities.
Theresa Alvarez, Community Development Officer for Wells Fargo commented, “EDCO is a young organization with an ambitious agenda and an innovative approach towards economic development. Their current projects can yield a substantial impact to the communities in which they reside. We are happy to play an early role in this social venture.”
Opening Capital to Small Business Communities and Financial Services for Low Income Communities: 16 Sept 2009
EDCO Ventures Executive Director, Teófilo Tijerina, will be a panelist for the session “Opening Capital to Small Business Communities and Financial Services for Low Income Communities.”
Description: This panel focuses on innovative, market-based approaches to opening access to capital and financial services in Latino and immigrant communities. Mission-driven banking, non-profit venture capital investment and credit union-based financial services for the under served will form the basis of this cutting edge discussion.
The session is part of the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) national conference taking place between September 23-25th in Los Angeles, CA. Other panel participants include:
- Patricia Covarrubias, Panel Moderator and Vice-President – Bank of the West
- Haydee Moreno – Self Help Credit Union
- John Herrera – Latino Community Credit Union
- Salvador Menjivar – One California Bank Foundation
NALCAB’s National Conference is designed to address the needs and interests of Latino leaders in the asset-building/community development fields. This conference will attract 200+ leaders from community asset organizations, policy makers, philanthropists and elected officials.
For more information on NALCAB and the conference, please visit www.nalcab.org.
CherryFusion’s partnership with Blockbuster expands outside of El Paso: 19 Jul 2009
CherryFusion has announced that their partnership with Blockbuster is expanding outside of El Paso, TX. CherryFusion kiosks will now be available at 7 locations in the Dallas market by beginning August 1, 2009. An additional 14 CherryFusion kiosks will be rolled out in San Antonio, TX and Austin, TX Blockbuster locations in the Fall 2009.
Mike Roth, Business Development Manager for CherryFusion commented: “We are very excited about the alliance with Blockbuster. The pilot project in El Paso demonstrated a positive impact to CherryFusion sales by allowing us to reach a new customer base.”
CherryFusion is a consumer electronics repair company focused on digital media players, smart phones, gaming systems, and laptops. The company received technical assistance from EDCO Ventures.
To learn more about CherryFusion, please go to www.cherryfusion.com.
University of Texas Assistant Vice Chancellor, Ms. Cathy Swain, joins EDCO Ventures Advisory Board: 25 June 2009
EDCO Ventures is delighted to announce that Ms. Cathy Swain, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Commercial Development in the University of Texas System’s Office of Research and Technology Transfer, has joined EDCO Venture’s Advisory Board.
Ms. Cathy Swain brings to the Board vast knowledge in both for-profit and non-profit financial ventures. Her background covers Technology Commercialization, Venture Capital, Investment Management, Private Placements, and she has served as the CFO of a successful Community Development Corporation in Vermont.
In her current role, Ms. Swain coordinates activities related to the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, manages the Texas Ignition Fund (TIF) Proof-of-Concept award program for U.T. inventors, sponsors the Ideas on Fire! entrepreneurship training for faculty, promotes U.T. commercialization story globally, and develops strategies for accessing venture capital and angel investment for U.T. system startup companies. Prior to being Assistant Vice Chancellor, Ms. Swain was the Director of Investment oversight for the U.T. System Office of Finance, assisting the U. T. Board of Regents to prudently manage $23 billion of U.T. System endowment and operating assets.